Management Team
Dennis Rivera | Managing Member – Founder
Dennis Rivera is a seasoned financial expert and entrepreneur with a distinguished career spanning over three decades in commodity futures trading and operational management. As the Founder and Managing Member of Advanced Alpha Advisers LLC, an esteemed Commodity Trading Advisor (CTA) and advisory firm registered with the NFA and CFTC, Dennis brings a wealth of experience and expertise to his role.
Since establishing Advanced Alpha Advisers in 2017, Dennis has been instrumental in guiding the firm to success, leveraging his extensive background to provide tailored investment strategies and expert advice to a diverse clientele. Specializing in advising family offices and high-net-worth individuals, Dennis plays a pivotal role in conducting manager research, due diligence, risk monitoring, and portfolio selection and construction.
Dennis’s illustrious career includes holding notable positions such as Director of Institutional Managed Futures, Energy Futures Broker, Managed Futures Specialist, Market-Maker, and Chairman and Vice Chairman of New York Petroleum Associates. He has also served as a Lean Six Sigma Consultant, Director of Electronic Block Trading, and Manager of Floor Trading Operations for various commodity futures firms.
With a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) degree from Iona College and certifications including the Series 3 license from the National Futures Association and Lean Six Sigma from Villanova University, Dennis’s qualifications are further underscored by his memberships in prestigious organizations such as the Petroleum Associates of the New York Cotton Exchange, New York Cotton Exchange/ICE Futures USA, and New York Mercantile Exchange.
Throughout his career, Dennis has demonstrated a commitment to excellence and leadership, serving on several exchange supervisory committees and continually striving to deliver top-tier financial solutions to his clients. Under his guidance, Advanced Alpha Advisers continues to excel in providing comprehensive research and expert advice to sophisticated investors seeking opportunities in managed futures and alternative investments. Series 3 NFA Member: ID 0008701
James W. Montlake | Portfolio Manager- ART Strategy
James Montlake has joined Advanced Alpha Advisers as Portfolio Manager for the ART (Adjusted Risk Technology) systematic futures and options strategy. James is responsible for developing, testing, and implementing the investment philosophy behind ART. James is also responsible for the day-to-day trading and monitoring of the options portion of the strategy.
James previously worked as a Senior Analyst at ICE (Intercontinental Exchange), where he focused on equity derivatives, including the inter-dealer price quotation tool for large ticket and exotic options.
While at ICE, James also worked on further developing the exchange’s precious metals business, for example developing the LBMA Gold Auction, as well as the evolution of ICE LIBOR.
James left ICE to set up TeaSwap Ltd., a trading firm intended to help primary tea producers in Kenya, India, and Sri Lanka hedge their commodity price risk using OTC swaps.
James then joined the systematic trading firm Quant Infinity as Head of Distribution.
James brings a wealth of experience to the team, having earned his BSc in Economics and an MA in Finance and Investment from the University of Nottingham, as well as achieving a level 1 CFA and a CISI Certificate in Financial Regulation. He is also a Series 3, NFA Member ID 0550259.
Anthony D. Mascia | Head of Investor Relations & Business Development
Anthony D. Mascia has recently joined Advanced Alpha Advisers to enhance the firm’s Investor Relations and Business Development efforts, bringing extensive experience in fund administration and alternative investments to expand client engagement and growth opportunities.
As Co-Founder and Managing Partner of EFSI, a leading New York-based private fund administration provider, Anthony oversees the front office, managing account operations, business development, customer service, marketing, and sales. Under his leadership, EFSI has grown to administer $10 billion in assets, supporting a diverse client base that includes hedge funds, private credit, private equity, real estate, and venture capital fund managers. Anthony also directs EFSI’s family office division, providing administration services, deal origination, and networking for single and multi-family offices across the United States.
Anthony’s career began in 1999 as a trader and member of the New York Board of Trade. After leaving the trading floor in 2008, he established a successful independent brokerage firm affiliated with MF Global, specializing in alternative investment strategies. Additionally, he is a Principal & Partner in a New York-based commodity trading advisor, where he advises on discretionary investment and marketing strategies. Series 3 NFA ID: 0332028
A Westchester County, NY resident, Anthony enjoys winemaking and music. He holds a degree from Fordham University, Fordham College at Rose Hill.
Julio Cesar Pantoja | Research Associate
Julio is currently pursuing an MBA in Finance and Data Analytics at Fordham University’s Gabelli School of Business, where he specializes in financial modeling, structured finance, and risk management. He brings a wealth of experience to his role, having previously founded NutriTost S.A.S., where he led the company through rapid growth, international expansion, and a successful M&A transaction with a strategic investor.
Before joining Advanced Alpha Advisers, Julio was a Sustainable Investing Fellow at 17 Asset Management, where he sourced investment opportunities and contributed to the launch of equity and debt funds. He also served as Business Development and Sustainability Adviser for the Colombian Presidency, where he gained hands-on experience in financial structuring and advising on investment strategies in emerging markets.
Julio’s entrepreneurial experience and analytical skills have made him an invaluable asset to the Advanced Alpha Advisers team, where he is dedicated to research in cutting-edge technologies, investment solutions, and trends that meet the diverse needs of the firm’s clients.
Marla J. Rivera | Corporate Office Administrator
At Advanced Alpha Advisers, we are proud to have Marla as our Corporate Office Administrator. Her initiative and resourcefulness have been instrumental in helping us meet our business objectives. Marla’s responsibilities include implementing procedures, maintaining administrative systems, and managing our office operations.
With her exceptional organizational skills and attention to detail, Marla ensures that our day-to-day operations run smoothly. She is always ready to assist our team members and clients with a friendly and professional attitude.
We are grateful for Marla’s valuable contributions to our organization, and we look forward to continuing to work with her in the future.